< Previous10www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comJULY 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST NEWS New cargo terminal opens at Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport BUILT FOR SPEED AND SCALE The new hub comes with a range of additional features such as ergonomic build and break workstations, high-density storage racks, and a ULD control system that integrates with Menzies’ latest Cargo Management System. This is expected to further streamline monitoring and material fl ow throughout the warehouse to increase operational effi ciency. Jordan’s air cargo sector has seen steady growth in recent years. The latest warehouse aligns with national eff orts to boost export capacity, attract foreign investment, and position Jordan as a regional logistics and e-commerce gateway to the world. Dominique Ceulemans, Managing Director at AHS Jordan said by using advanced automated handling technologies it will be able to “create a safe working environment and meet the growing demands of customers now and in the future.” Lödige Industries will also continue to remain closely involved with the facility as a long-term service partner, providing ongoing system support and maintenance. The company will leverage its vast experience in the industry to boost Jordan’s cargo sector. A new state-of-the-art cargo warehouse is now fully operational at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) in Jordan. Spanning 8,000 square metres, the newly inaugurated terminal signifi cantly expands QAIA’s cargo handling capacity to 60,000 tonnes per year. NEW ERA FOR CARGO HANDLING The facility was offi cially opened under the patronage of Dr Jaafer Hassan, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, during a ceremony attended by industry stakeholders and government offi cials. The new warehouse is operated by Aviation Handling Service (AHS), a partner of Menzies Aviation, and features a range of automated cargo technologies supplied by the German based Lödige Industries. Signifi cantly, it enables more effi cient cargo processing through an automated storage system with space for 136 Unit Load Devices (ULDs). This includes an Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV) which moves cargo between storage positions with greater speed and precision to support faster turnaround times. Spanning 8,000 square metres, the newly inaugurated terminal signifi cantly expands QAIA’s cargo handling capacity to 60,000 tonnes per year “Using advanced automated handling technologies will create a safe working environment and meet the growing demands of customers”11www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | JULY 2025 NEWS Terralogix unveiled as Dubai’s largest private logistics park construction, hospitality, real estate, and oil and gas, while Sweid & Sweid is known for developing high quality, institutional-grade real estate assets. “Together, we will be delivering Terralogix as a landmark project to spearhead the evolution of Dubai’s industrial sector,” said Maher Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner of Sweid & Sweid. The developers are aiming to address growing demand in a sector facing mounting pressure from tight supply and surging e-commerce volumes. Terralogix also represents a strategic push to develop logistics infrastructure beyond the traditional hubs of JAFZA and Dubai South. BACKING DUBAI’S GLOBAL AMBITIONS The launch of Terralogix signals growing private sector confi dence in Dubai’s long-term trade and logistics strategy. As the region looks to diversify away from oil and strengthen non-oil trade, large-scale logistics infrastructure will be crucial in positioning Dubai. Nelson Gibb, CEO of Dutco Group, added, “The project brings meaningful new capacity to a sector under pressure from surging demand and limited supply in the UAE. Terralogix is well positioned to support businesses operating across the country and the wider region.” Dutco and Sweid & Sweid have announced plans for Terralogix, a 3.3 million square foot logistics park in Warsan, which will be Dubai’s largest privately-owned logistics development. The project adds new capacity in Northern Dubai, a region that has seen comparatively limited industrial development, at a time when demand for warehouse and logistics space across the city is soaring. CONSTRUCTION KICKS OFF IN WARSAN The park is expected to play a key role in supporting the goals of Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033. Construction of Phase One is already underway, with completion scheduled for Q3 2026. Designed to serve as a strategic node in the city’s supply chain infrastructure, Terralogix off ers modular units and custom-built options for tenants looking to scale up or tailor facilities to their operational needs. The development also boasts strong transport connectivity, with direct links to major highways and easy access to Dubai’s airports and seaports. DEVELOPERS TARGET SECTOR SHORTAGE Terralogix will be developed by two UAE-based fi rms. Dutco Group brings decades of expertise across Terralogix, a 3.3 million square foot logistics park in Warsan, is set to become Dubai’s largest privately owned logistics development12www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comJULY 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST ONLINE The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has signed privatisation contracts worth SAR 2.2 billion ($586 million) to develop and operate multipurpose cargo terminals at eight of the country’s major ports. Cainiao has further expanded its global network with the launch of the global-to-global express delivery service in GCC countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Fred W. Smith, the founder of FedEx, has died at the age of 80. The company confi rmed his passing on June 21, with current CEO Raj Subramaniam calling Smith “the heart and soul of FedEx.” Saudia Cargo has announced the creation of Saudia Cargo Global, a landmark joint venture with long-time partner TAM Group, headquartered in Hong Kong. The entity will act as a command centre for Greater China and the Asia-Pacifi c region. WHAT'S TRENDING ONLINE lo gis t i c smiddleeas t .co m Saudi Arabia awards $586 million port privatisation contracts Cainiao launches express delivery network across GCC FedEx founder and visionary Fred W. Smith dies at 80 Saudia Cargo launches logistics hub in Hong Kong with TAM Group WHAT OUR READERS THINK... On DHL’s investment in the Middle East... “With mega logistics hubs under development, it’s a growing region”—John Willems, FedEx Talking about Octane’s seed funding... “Interesting to see the growth in fl eet management solutions”—Vikash Verma, Milesmate LOG_July0225_12-13_Trending_13651965.indd 1202/07/2025 17:2413www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | JULY 2025 ONLINE This defi nitive list celebrates the top supply chain leaders whose strategies, foresight and execution are shaping the industry’s next chapter. Supply Chain Leaders Power List 2025 Meet the top supply chain leaders from across the Middle East LOG_July0225_12-13_Trending_13651965.indd 1302/07/2025 17:24OPINION | OMAN 14www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comJULY 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST As regional trade corridors shift and supply chains evolve, Oman is strategically positioning itself as the Gulf’s next major logistics and trade hub. With calculated investments in ports, free zones, transport corridors, and regulatory reforms, the Sultanate is reshaping its role beyond oil. For logistics and supply chain professionals, Oman presents a compelling emerging opportunity— one that is pragmatic, infrastructure-ready and aligned with broader regional ambitions. OMAN’S STRATEGIC ASCENT The Gulf’s emerging trade and logistics hub By Mohammad Raza, Middle East Managing Director, OCO Global A NEW FORCE IN REGIONAL TRADE Oman’s rise rests on the strength of its modern, distributed port network and logistics infrastructure. This provides strategic port redundancy across the north, centre, and south of the country– reducing congestion risks and off ering fl exibility to global shippers whilst also providing a platform for its continued trade and logistics growth and increasing competitive advantage Sohar Port and Freezone, jointly operated with the Port of Rotterdam, now handles approximately 75% of Oman’s trade volume. Serving as a gateway to global shipping routes outside the Strait of Hormuz, its 4,500-hectare industrial zone supports thriving metals, petrochemicals, and logistics clusters. Recent expansions drove a 21% year-on-year increase in container volumes in 2024, with total throughput now exceeding 77 million tonnes annually. Further south, Salalah Port has fi rmly established itself along vital East-West shipping lanes as one of the world’s top transshipment hubs. It now boasts 6.5 MILLION The TEUs capacity at Salalah Port LOG_July0225_14-16_Opinion_13647989.indd 1402/07/2025 17:22OMAN | OPINION 15www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | JULY 2025 a capacity for 6.5 million TEUs following major expansions. Despite a softening to 3.3 million TEUs in 2024 due to global volatility, Salalah remains critical–ranked second globally for container port effi ciency by the World Bank. RISING THROUGH REGIONAL LINKS Meanwhile, Duqm Port and it adjacent Special Economic Zone (SEZ) represent Oman’s greenfi eld ambition. Emerging as a deep-sea mega port, Duqm off ers over 2,000 square kilometres of industrial space and a dry dock capable of servicing the largest ships. Cargo volumes soared by 152% in 2024 alone, underscoring its accelerating role in the region. Closer to Muscat, Khazaen Economic City is enhancing Oman’s hinterland connectivity. As the country’s fi rst dry port and inland logistics hub, it off ers multi-modal transport links to Sohar and the UAE, supporting automotive logistics, warehousing, and cross-border trade. “Although Oman is not formally part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, its proximity to Indian shipping lanes and ports outside the Strait of Hormuz position it advantageously to complement the emerging trade route connecting India to Europe” Infrastructure alone is not enough, however. Oman is proactively strengthening regional integration to ensure its long-term relevance. WHAT IS OMAN’S STRATEGIC EDGE? The Hafeet Rail Project, a $3 billion initiative linking Sohar Port to Abu Dhabi, marks a major milestone. With full GCC rail integration expected by 2030, Oman’s ports will gain direct overland access to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and beyond to signifi cantly enhance regional connectivity. Although Oman is not formally part of the India- Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), its proximity to Indian shipping lanes and ports outside the Strait of Hormuz position it advantageously to complement the emerging trade route connecting India to Europe. On the ground, new infrastructure such as the 700-kilometre Empty Quarter highway, opened in Mohammad Raza, Middle East Managing Director, OCO Global LOG_July0225_14-16_Opinion_13647989.indd 1502/07/2025 17:22OPINION | OMAN 16www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comJULY 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST 2021, now provides a direct overland trade route between Oman and Saudi Arabia that dramatically slashes transit times and costs for goods moving across the Arabian Peninsula. THE ROLE OF REGULATORY REFORMS Taken together, Oman’s logistical ambitions are no longer merely domestic—they are fi rmly regional and international. Oman’s rapid progress is not confi ned to infrastructure; it has aggressively modernised its regulatory environment to attract investment and facilitate trade. Investors in Sohar, Salalah, Duqm, and Khazaen Free Zones now enjoy 100% foreign ownership, tax holidays of up to 30 years, and customs duty exemptions. The introduction of the Bayan electronic customs platform has further streamlined clearance times, often reducing processing to just a few hours. Supporting this transformation, Oman’s state logistics champion, ASYAD Group, is driving sector wide effi ciency initiatives—from integrated port community systems and unifi ed trucking services to full port-rail-road integration. For international shippers and 3PLs, this translates into lower transaction costs, greater predictability and smoother end-to-end operations. A SMART BET FOR THE FUTURE Compared to regional peers, Oman off ers a distinct combination of advantages that make it an increasingly attractive proposition. Its open ocean access, strategic fl exibility lower congestion levels, and proactive approach to international partnerships set it apart. Rather than competing head-on with more established regional hubs, Oman positions itself as a complementary, resilient, and strategically located alternative—ideal for supply chains seeking greater optionality, effi ciency, and risk mitigation in an increasingly volatile global environment. However, while progress is undeniable, challenges remain. Oman’s long-term success is partly tied to the broader progress of GCC rail connectivity, which is still several years from full integration. Sustaining its momentum will also require further investment to attract additional liner services and deepen 3PL operations. STEADY GROWTH MODEL Nonetheless, Oman’s pragmatic, steady growth model provides a strong foundation for future long- term success. Its infrastructure-led development contrasts with more speculative regional approaches, off ering reassurance to investors, shippers and logistics operators alike. Oman’s emergence as a logistics hub is no accident. It is the result of deliberate strategy, targeted infrastructure modernisation, proactive regional connectivity initiatives and progressive regulatory reforms. The Sultanate off ers a compelling platform: gateway access to South Asia, East Africa, and the Middle East; a lower-cost and reliable trade environment; and the strategic fl exibility needed to navigate global shipping uncertainties. In a world where supply chain security is paramount, Oman’s pragmatic ascent as a Gulf logistics power deserves serious attention. The Port of Salalah is the largest port in Oman 75% Sohar Port and Freezone now handles approximately this amount of Oman’s trade volume LOG_July0225_14-16_Opinion_13647989.indd 1602/07/2025 17:23Claim your VIP spot! Subscribe today to Aviation Business Middle East and unlock a world of premium content, exclusive interviews, and expert analyses, handpicked for aviation professionals.FEATURE | GREEN TRANSPORT 18www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comJULY 2025 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST LOG_July0225_18-21_Green Logistics Feature_13654033.indd 1802/07/2025 17:20GREEN TRANSPORT | FEATURE 19www.logis tic smiddleeas t .comLOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | JULY 2025 The logistics industry has faced a paradox for years: decarbonisation targets have become more urgent, but the tools to meet them, especially for heavy-duty and long-haul transport, have remained just out of reach. That’s beginning to change. Across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a new fuelling ecosystem is taking shape. Governments and private players are accelerating investments in EV charging networks and hydrogen infrastructure. For logistics operators, that means the enabling conditions for fl eet transformation are fi nally falling into place. THE INFRASTRUCTURE MOMENT No matter how advanced an electric truck or hydrogen-powered vehicle is, it won’t get far without reliable fueling infrastructure. This is why clean energy infrastructure has become the foundation of future logistics planning. In the UAE, the federal government’s Net Zero 2050 strategy is driving a surge in alternative fuel investments. Key players such as ADNOC Distribution are responding with large-scale infrastructure rollouts. The company has installed more than 220 fast and super-fast EV chargers across the country, up from just over 50 the year before, with a target to more WHY INFRASTRUCTURE, NOT INNOVATION, WILL DECIDE THE FUTURE OF GREEN LOGISTICS The Middle East’s clean transport transition hinges not just on new vehicle tech but on where and how fl eets power up than double that fi gure by 2028. These chargers are strategically placed at service stations, highway rest stops, and urban centres, providing crucial access points for logistics operators managing last-mile and regional delivery networks. What was once a conceptual challenge, how to decarbonise logistics without compromising operational effi ciency, is now a practical conversation. The groundwork is being laid in real-time. HYDROGEN’S EMERGING ROLE While EVs dominate the public discourse, hydrogen is making quiet but steady progress as an energy source for commercial transport. In 2024, the UAE launched its fi rst green hydrogen refuelling station in Masdar City, operated under ADNOC’s H2GO pilot programme. The station currently powers a fl eet of hydrogen buses for Abu Dhabi Mobility, serving as a proof of concept for clean, high-intensity urban transit. The signifi cance of this goes beyond public transportation. Hydrogen is particularly well-suited for heavy-duty logistics, long-haul freight, and high-load vehicles, segments where battery-electric vehicles face limitations. Saudi Arabia is also advancing its hydrogen economy, with NEOM positioning itself LOG_July0225_18-21_Green Logistics Feature_13654033.indd 1902/07/2025 17:20Next >